Billiards & Pool in Pattaya
Rack 'em up at Pattaya's pool bars and snooker clubs — from casual bar games to competitive league play.
Where to Play
Pool Bars on Soi Buakhao
Soi Buakhao is lined with casual bars offering pool tables as a social draw. Most have 2–4 tables and playing is often free if you are buying drinks. The atmosphere is relaxed and social — a great way to meet other expats and travelers.
Free with drinks or 50–100 THB/hour
Snooker Clubs
Dedicated snooker clubs with full-size 12-foot tables can be found on Second Road and near Soi Buakhao. These are serious venues with proper lighting, quality cues, and a quieter atmosphere. Popular with Thai and British players alike.
80–200 THB/hour
Walking Street Pool Bars
Several bars on and around Walking Street have pool tables for patrons. More of a nightlife experience than serious pool — expect loud music, a party atmosphere, and friendly games with strangers. Tables are often busy on weekend nights.
Free with drinks or 50 THB/game
Dedicated Pool Halls
Standalone pool halls with 8-ball and 9-ball tables cater to more serious players. Found in the Soi Buakhao and Third Road areas. These venues have better equipment, tournament-grade cloth, and league nights.
60–150 THB/hour
Pool Bar Culture in Pattaya
Pool and billiards are deeply woven into Pattaya's bar scene. Dozens of bars offer pool tables as a social activity alongside cold beers and live sports on TV. Many bars on Soi Buakhao, Soi 6, and Second Road offer free pool for drinking customers. It is one of the most popular social activities for expats.
Pricing & Table Rental
Pool bars: often free with drink purchases, or 50–100 THB/hour. Dedicated pool halls: 60–150 THB/hour. Snooker clubs: 80–200 THB/hour for full-size tables. Most venues charge per table, not per person, making it affordable for groups. Cue rental is typically included.
Snooker vs Pool
Pool (8-ball and 9-ball on smaller tables) dominates the bar scene. Snooker (full 12-foot tables with 22 balls) has dedicated clubs and a serious following, especially among British expats and Thai players. Snooker clubs offer a quieter, more focused atmosphere compared to pool bars.
Tournaments & League Play
Several venues host weekly pool tournaments — typically on weekday evenings with entry fees of 100–300 THB and prize pools. Expat pool leagues operate throughout the year with teams representing different bars. Snooker tournaments are held less frequently but draw skilled players from across the region.
Best Areas for Pool
Soi Buakhao has the highest concentration of pool bars in Pattaya — you can bar-hop between venues playing pool all evening. Second Road and Third Road have dedicated pool halls. Walking Street and Soi 6 have pool tables in a more nightlife-oriented setting.
Equipment Quality
Bar pool tables vary in quality — some have worn cloth and warped cues. Dedicated pool halls and snooker clubs invest in quality tables (often UK-made for snooker) with proper cloth, straight cues, and good lighting. If table quality matters, seek out the dedicated venues.
Social & Expat Scene
Pool is one of the best social activities in Pattaya for meeting people. Challenging someone to a friendly game is an easy icebreaker. Many long-term expats have regular pool nights and bar-based teams. It is common to see friendly wagers on games — usually drinks rather than money.
Hours & Best Times
Pool bars open from late morning (11:00) through to late night (01:00–02:00 or later). Dedicated pool halls typically open 12:00–24:00. The best time for finding open tables is weekday afternoons. Weekend evenings are busiest, and popular venues can have queues for tables.